Imagination Awakens

Your baby is starting to play "pretend" — the teddy bear gets fed, the doll is put to bed, and the phone is used for important conversations. Pretend play is a major developmental step that shows your baby understands symbols and roles.

Development

Kicks a ball — perhaps not with great precision, but the will and coordination are there
Two-word phrases begin — "Mama come", "More milk", "Dada car". Not all babies have this yet, and that is completely normal
10–20 words and increasingly more sounds resembling words
Pretend play blossoms — feeds the teddy, makes food in the play kitchen, "washes" with a cloth like you do
Runs with more control — can stop and change direction without falling
Sorts simple shapes — round block in round hole, square in square hole

Growth

Boys: Average 10.7 kg / 81 cm (23.6 lb / 31.9 in)
Girls: Average 10.0 kg / 79 cm (22.0 lb / 31.1 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
One nap of 1–2.5 hours at midday
Some babies start testing limits at bedtime — "one more book", "more water". Keep the routine firm and predictable

Feeding

More independent at the table — eats with spoon and fork (with varying success)
Can express preferences more clearly — "More!" and "No!" about food
Let your baby taste new flavors without pressure. It can take 10–15 exposures before a child accepts a new taste
Healthy snacks: Fruit, vegetables, bread with toppings, yogurt
Water between meals, whole milk at meals
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily

Good to Know

Pretend play is important! Don't interrupt — this is how your baby processes experiences and practices social skills
Language development varies enormously — some 17-month-olds say 50 words, others say 5. Both can be completely normal. Speak with your pediatrician if you're concerned
Books, books, books — read together every day. Your baby points, names things, and asks for favorite books again and again
Give your baby simple tasks: "Can you put the shoe in the cupboard?" Babies love to help

Activity Tip

Ball! Play with a soft ball inside or outside. Kick, throw, roll — your baby practices gross motor skills, coordination, and turn-taking. Start by rolling the ball toward your baby and letting them roll it back. Simple, but incredibly effective for development.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker — Track sleep and routines
Milestones — Record new words and skills
Baby — More guides for your baby's development

Tip: Play along! Sit down on the floor and join in the pretend play. When you "drink" the invisible tea your baby serves you, you show that the play is valuable — and your baby beams with pride.